International Crisis Group Middle East report urges Europe, Russia, US to establish ties with Hamas
The International Crisis Group (ICG) has issued a report, After Gaza, which considers policy options in the effort to find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in light of Hamas’ recent takeover in Gaza. The central argument of the report is that the International Quartet of the EU, Russia, the UN, and the United States must work with the Palestinians to establish a rapprochement between Hamas and Fatah and the formation of a unity-government. The report specifically urges the Quartet "in all statements and contacts with the PA government in Ramallah" to "encourage reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas." The report urges the "formation of a new, unified government subject to Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) approval," and calls on Israel to be willing to negotiate with such a government, which will include Hamas, on a "two-state solution."